What to Do If You’re Injured in a Boating Accident on Lake Murray
Boating season on Lake Murray has barely begun, and safety is already a top concern. Local authorities are increasing patrols this year, responding to the same troubling patterns seen every summer: overcrowded waters, inexperienced boaters, and a dangerous mix of alcohol and speed.
At around 50,000 acres in size and with about 650 miles of shoreline, Lake Murray draws thousands of boaters each season, many of them first-timers or visitors unfamiliar with South Carolina’s boating laws. When caution gives way to carelessness, the results can be devastating. Serious injuries and fatal crashes happen quickly, and when they do, a knowledgeable South Carolina boating accident lawyer can help victims and families make sense of what comes next.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents on Lake Murray
Boating on Lake Murray can be a great way to spend a summer day, but it comes with real risks, especially when people don’t take safety seriously. The most common causes of boat accidents aren’t mysterious. In fact, they show up year after year in law enforcement reports, medical records, and civil injury claims. Here are some of the most dangerous behaviors that often lead to serious or fatal boating accidents on Lake Murray:
- Alcohol Use While Operating a Boat: Boating under the influence (BUI) is a major problem on South Carolina waters. Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment, just like it does behind the wheel of a car—but boat operators often underestimate the effect of the sun, heat, and motion on their bodies. The legal consequences can include criminal charges, but the civil fallout for injury victims can last a lifetime.
- High-Speed Recklessness: Many boats on Lake Murray are capable of high speeds, especially personal watercraft like Jet Skis. Speeding reduces control, increases stopping distance, and makes it nearly impossible to react in time to avoid a collision. Victims of high-speed boating crashes often suffer severe trauma, and the person responsible can be held liable for their carelessness.
- Inexperienced or Unlicensed Operators: South Carolina law doesn’t require boating licenses for adults over 16 unless they’ve never taken a safety course. This gap means many first-time boaters — especially tourists or renters — are piloting powerful vessels without any formal training. A moment of confusion or a bad decision near a crowded cove can lead to devastating consequences.
- Improper Lookouts and Navigational Errors: Boats don’t have brake lights or designated lanes. Operators must remain vigilant at all times and understand right-of-way rules. Many accidents occur because drivers aren’t looking out for swimmers, smaller craft, or anchored vessels — especially in high-traffic areas near marinas and popular beaches.
These factors are often cited in investigations following serious collisions on Lake Murray, including crashes that have made headlines in recent years. In several past incidents, authorities noted the presence of alcohol and the lack of boating education as key contributors. But understanding what went wrong is only the beginning. Holding someone accountable takes legal knowledge and a deep investigation.
Increased Patrols and Stricter Rules on Lake Murray
With summer fast approaching, law enforcement agencies are stepping up their presence on Lake Murray. Patrols began in full force over Easter weekend, with officers from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) launching from their shared headquarters on Bundrick Island, the Lexington County Marine Patrol. Together, they cover roughly 80 percent of the lake, with about 15 officers patrolling the water at any given time.
These increased patrols aren’t just for show — they reflect serious safety concerns. Boating activity on Lake Murray has surged in recent years, especially among first-time and out-of-state operators. Officers are now taking a closer look at everything from operator behavior to boat condition and safety compliance.
South Carolina doesn’t require boating licenses for most adults, but a recent change now mandates that anyone born after 2007 must complete a DNR-approved boater education course before operating a vessel. That change reflects growing awareness of the risks posed by inexperienced operators, especially when paired with alcohol or unsafe behavior.
More Boat Traffic Means Higher Risk
Officers have several reasons to stop a vessel, and many of them are tied to common, avoidable mistakes. The most frequent violation on Lake Murray is failing to properly display a registration decal, which is comparable to driving a car without a license plate. But other issues can have far more dangerous consequences. These include:
- Overloading the Boat: Too many passengers can cause a vessel to sit too low in the water, increasing the risk of capsizing or swamping, especially in rough or crowded conditions.
- Sitting on the Bow While in Motion: Riding on the front of a moving boat is not only illegal but dangerous, as it can lead to passengers falling overboard or water breaching the hull.
- Reckless Operation: Speeding in no-wake zones, weaving between other vessels, and failing to keep a proper lookout are all actions that can lead to serious accidents.
A growing number of these incidents involve pontoon boats — often the craft of choice for beginners. While they may look stable and low-risk, DNR officials note that pontoons are involved in a significant share of boating crashes. Their large passenger capacity and deceptively easy handling can give operators a false sense of security, especially when alcohol is involved.
Enforcement plays an important role not just in preventing accidents, but in investigating them after the fact. When a crash occurs, detailed reports from marine deputies often become critical evidence in a legal case. A South Carolina boating accident lawyer may rely on these reports — along with witness statements, DNR records, and photos of vessel damage — to build a strong injury or wrongful death claim.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Boat Accident Cases
Boat accidents can be some of the most complex personal injury cases. Unlike car wrecks, there is rarely a police officer on scene to issue a citation or immediately assign fault. Evidence can be lost to the water, and stories can shift in the chaos that follows. That’s why thorough investigations are essential. An experienced boating accident attorney can:
- Gather witness statements and cross-reference accounts.
- Obtain boating and rental records, including safety briefings or alcohol policies.
- Secure any available surveillance footage from docks or marinas.
- Work with marine accident reconstruction experts to model what happened.
- Determine whether the boat was overloaded, under-maintained, or operated in violation of the law.
These steps are crucial for establishing liability and helping victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term care. The right attorney can also identify additional sources of compensation, including rental companies or negligent third parties.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights After a Lake Murray Boating Accident
South Carolina law places strict time limits on personal injury and wrongful death claims, and boating cases are no exception. Delaying legal action could result in lost evidence and missed opportunities to hold negligent parties accountable. If seriously injured in a boat accident on Lake Murray, it is essential to speak with a lawyer who knows how to handle complex water-related injury cases.
Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law offers free consultations for injured boating accident victims and their families. With deep roots in Lexington and extensive knowledge of South Carolina injury law, our team is ready to help clients understand their options, protect their rights, and move forward. Our case results include a $100,000 outcome in a boating accident. Contact us today to see how we can help with your potential legal case.
"I had an amazing experience with this company. They answered all of our questions in a timely manner. If you are looking for honest, trustworthy attorneys that will go the extra mile for you, give Johnson + Johnson a call. Will definitely be using them again in the future." - Tami R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
